Report: Stoke confident of appointing Derby’s Gary Rowett as manager

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The Derby County boss is a long-term target for Stoke City.

Gary Rowett, the Derby County manager, is ‘poised to get’ the Stoke City job, according to the Daily Mirror (live blog update 03:10).

Rowett distanced himself from the post when it last became vacant in January, but Stoke are said to have returned for the 44-year-old nonetheless.

And the report adds the Potters are ‘confident of getting their man this time’.

Rowett led Derby to the Championship play-offs in his first full season in charge at Pride Park, but saw his side’s promotion hopes ended by Fulham last week.

And a move to Stoke could appeal to the former Birmingham City and Burton Albion boss, whose budget is expected to be cut next season.

Despite dropping into the Championship under Paul Lambert, who was relieved of his duties on Friday, Stoke should have no such concerns as they await their first parachute payment.

Mick McCarthy, the former Ipswich Town manager, and Nigel Pearson, another ex Derby boss who now works for OH Leuven, are also said to have been looked at by the Potters.

Could Rowett leave Derby for Stoke?